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Chapter 22 - Reactive Oxygen Species and Sperm DNA Damage

from Section 4 - Laboratory Evaluation and Treatment of Male Infertility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 December 2023

By
Lesley Haddock ,
Erica Gardiner  and
Sheena E. M. Lewis
Edited by
Douglas T. Carrell ,
Alexander W. Pastuszak  and
James M. Hotaling
Douglas T. Carrell
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
Alexander W. Pastuszak
Affiliation:
University of Utah
James M. Hotaling
Affiliation:
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
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Summary

Over the last decade it has become increasingly clear that semen analysis is insufficient to diagnose male infertility. With 30% of infertile men diagnosed as idiopathic, the ethics of continuing to rely on outdated diagnostic parameters must be questioned. Sperm DNA damage is a strong biomarker of male infertility. It also correlates significantly with increased risk of miscarriage after both natural and ART conception. Thirdly, sperm DNA damage is a useful predictive tool for both IVF and ICSI live birth success. DNA fragmentation can occur as double or single strand breaks. Oxidative stress is a common cause of single strand breaks and can be prevented by endogenous and dietary supplemented antioxidants. In contrast, double strand breaks are caused by dysfunction during spermatogenesis, and are harder for oocytes to repair post fertilization. Greater awareness of the relevance of DNA damage and its origins could aid fertility choices and outcomes.

Keywords

men’s healthsperm DNA damagereactive oxygen speciesComet assayTUNEL testingsperm chromatin assaymale aging
Type
Chapter
Information
Men's Reproductive and Sexual Health Throughout the Lifespan
An Integrated Approach to Fertility, Sexual Function, and Vitality
 , pp. 175 - 182
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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